With the vaccine rollout continuing to progress and the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. With this in mind, we hope you and your close ones are staying safe.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant volatility in global equity markets and we continue to see larger daily falls and gains than we would normally expect. It is therefore really important that you think twice before taking any action over your pensions and investments.

The FTSE 100 index was down 0.3% yeste...

As well as peace of mind, many insurance providers offer additional benefits that you may not know about.

Whether we’re crossing the road or getting on a plane, we encounter risks every day. For many of us, life has felt more uncertain than ever over the past year as we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Although we can’t always control what’s happening in our lives, we can plan for the unexpected.

By taking out a protection policy, you can safeguard your family’s finances if your situation chang...

With the vaccine rollout continuing to progress and the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel. With this in mind, we hope you and your close ones are staying safe.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant volatility in global equity markets and we continue to see larger daily falls and gains than we would normally expect. It is therefore really important that you think twice before taking any action over your pensions and investments.

The FTSE 100 index was up 0.6% yesterd...

If you’re looking to buy your first home, you probably already know about the government’s Help to Buy equity loan scheme. It’s proved popular since launch in 2013, with almost 300,000 properties bought as part of the initiative so far. But some aspects of the scheme are changing later this year, and it’s important you understand whether you’ll still be eligible for help.

Are you eli...

Ethical and sustainable investing are both popular and it’s useful to understand the difference between the two approaches.

Investing in a responsible way is nothing new. It dates as far back as the 1700s, when religious groups such as the Quakers refused to support companies involved with the slave trade or other activities that conflicted with their values. Ethical funds started to appear in the UK in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which allowed people to invest in a way that reflected their personal ...

Successful vaccination programmes are rolling out on both sides of the Atlantic, pointing to a brighter economic outlook.

The US and UK continued their rapid vaccine programmes to combat the coronavirus pandemic, while Europe lagged in its rollout, resulting in a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the EU. As a result, the US and UK are likely to be able to reopen their broader economies sooner, while much of Europe still faces strict lockdowns.

Budget brings some relief
In his March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined stimu...

It's all too easy for us to put our head in the sand when it comes to thinking about our protection requirements. People tend to find it challenging to engage with the topic as it involves thinking of negative potential scenarios. In reality, this is the reason to put it to the top of your ‘to-do list’. Life is hopefully rosy but being prepared for any eventuality is truly priceless.

One important type of protection worth serious consideration is accident and injury cover. Life’s an adventure, we don’t always know what’s waiting for us ar...

Your home is likely to be the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make so it’s important to insure it properly. Having the right type of cover in place means your property will be protected for a range of incidents, from burglary to a burst pipe.

Buildings insurance explained
Buildings insurance covers the permanent fixtures and fittings of a property, such as baths and toilets, fitted kitchens, and even decorations such as wallpaper. It may also provide cover for your garage, greenhouse or garden shed, but policies vary so it’s important ...